Boating

Clean, Drain, and Dry Your Boat

Invasive species, such as zebra mussels and curlyleaf pondweed, are frequently transported as boats move from lake to lake in bait buckets, livewells, undrained boats, and attached to trailers. Be sure to fully empty and clean your boat whenever you leave a lake to prevent unwanted hitchhikers. Visit the Minnesota DNR’s Clean In Clean Out page to learn how to properly clean your boat. To learn more about state boating rules as well as aquatic invasive species visit the DNR’s website.

Starting this boating season, anyone found guilty of violating Minnesota’s aquatic invasive species laws will be required to complete a training in addition to paying a fine. Please see the DNR’s News Release to learn more about this new policy.

Respect Speed and Wake Rules

Large wakes disturb below the surface of the water as well as above it. When wakes agitate bottom sediments and shorelines, particles are suspended or re-suspended in the water, releasing nutrients which lead to eutrophication (algae growth). Following the established rules for the lake you are boating in, such as no-wake and speed restrictions on Prior Lake, will help to keep the lake clean and enjoyable.

Zebra mussels look like small clams with alternating light and dark stripes on their shells.

Prior Lake – Spring Lake Watershed District

The District covers about 42 square miles in Scott County, MN. Water in the PLSLWD flows mainly from the southwest to the northeast through Spring, Upper Prior and Lower Prior Lakes, and then north through the Prior Lake Outlet Channel to the Minnesota River near Valley Fair amusement park.